Bansko has benefited from a multi-million-euro investment and boasts the most up-to-date ski facilities in Bulgaria. It also has the best snow record and the longest ski season in the country. Winner of World Ski Awards' "Best Ski Resort In Bulgaria" from 2013 to 2018, Bansko offers 16km of uninterrupted ski runs, excellent snow conditions and an interesting combination between the virgin nature of Pirin Mountain and the atmosphere of an ancient Bulgarian town.
It is located at the foothills of one of the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains - Pirin, which is a national preserve, included in the 'World Natural Heritage' list. Among other Bulgarian mountain resorts, Bansko offers what is probably the most lively apres-ski, because it is a combination of a modern mountain resort and a living rustic town with a population of about 10,000 people. Almost a hundred 'mehana' dining places offer traditional local cuisine dishes, in the atmosphere of traditional songs and dances, performed by local artists. The resort is also popular for its nightlife and shopping facilities.
Bansko hosted the men's giant slalom in February 2012 and the FIS World Cup ladies' downhill and super G and men's giant slalom and slalom.The two ski centres are situated about 10 km above the town. They are easily accessible from Bansko for approximately 25 minutes ride on the Gondola lift. The total length of the marked pistes is 70 km. Snowboarders will love the Extreme Fun Park the only one aprt of the world-famous Burton Fun Park in East Europe and the first one on the Balkans. Enthusiasts can build jumps according to their abilities and taste and take part in different competitions organized on the new piste on Shiligarnika. The total length of the lift equipment in Bansko is 26 km. 8-seats Gondola cabin lift and 5 high speed quads by Dopplemayer, one 3-seat lift by Poma, 7 drags and 10 children drags operate in Bansko. Alpine and biathlon competitions take place regularly.
Bansko is situated in Southwestern Bulgaria, 150 km south of Sofia. It has a short hot summer and long mild winter. The average temperature during January, the coldest month, is - 1.9°C. Snow falls are abundant, providing a constant winter snow cover up to 2 m thick. The skiing season along the Pirin slopes starts at the beginning of December and ends in mid-April.
All winter sports lovers will like Bansko as it has 33% ski runs for beginners, 50% for intermediate skiers, 11% advanced ski runs and 6% ski runs for experts. It's the perfect ski resort for adults and children wanting to learn to ski & snowboard or improve their skills while at the same time experience the local culture. It's also the best resort for snowboarders and freestyle riders and skiers.
